Victory always brings satisfaction.
However, humans are greedy beings, and moments of satisfaction are fleeting.
“If we had fully seized this opportunity, we could have reclaimed the entire Macedonian region. Prince Constantine’s excessive caution has squandered a significant chance for the empire.”
Despite the brief taste of victory, the nobles quickly succumbed to arrogance. They believed that overcoming this crisis was simply the work of the ’empire.’ However, John, who had grown far more shrewd, did not forget who the true architect of this remarkable achievement was. Thus, he felt no joy. Unconsciously, he ground his teeth and clenched his fists tightly.
‘…This is unacceptable. Isn’t Morea taking the lead?’
The greater the achievement, the more risky it became.
Prince Constantine of Morea had acted independently without any consultation with the central government. He had taken the initiative in diplomacy without seeking the central government’s intentions. Morea, already distant and difficult for the central government to control, was now acting like an entirely independent nation.
‘But it’s also true that Constantine’s position has risen significantly due to this event… The only way to publicly charge him is clear.’
The central government needed to re-establish its authority by achieving accomplishments that would rival Morea’s, thereby justifying sanctions against Morea’s overreach. John was determined to prevent Constantine from gaining more power, which threatened his position. The thought of overthrowing him occupied John’s mind. To achieve this, he needed to consolidate the capital’s nobles firmly.
With the majority being hardliners, advocating for another war with the Ottomans would significantly boost John’s popularity.
Furthermore, the empire had a card prepared to divide the Ottomans. The young emperor, brimming with vigor, recalled the precious tribute from Venice—Mustafa, who claimed to be Bayezid’s last son. This would be the empire’s trump card, potentially driving the Ottomans out of the Balkans entirely.
Composing himself, the emperor turned to his officials, who were criticizing Constantine, and spoke.
“You are right. Prince Constantine of Morea owes us an explanation for this situation. However, before that, reclaiming the lost territories must be our priority.”
“Do you have a plan, Your Majesty?”
“Venice has presented me with a most valuable gift—a powerful weapon to divide the Ottomans.”
Among the officials who discerned the nature of the tribute, confidence and excitement began to swell. John looked down at the growing enthusiasm with satisfaction, while recalling his self-assured brother, always acting arrogantly as though he alone were right. People often compared him with his brother, questioning his imperial qualities.
‘…I’ll show you that I can succeed too. I’ll prove who should be followed.’
John’s resolve, risky as it might seem, drove him forward. The subtle rivalry between the brothers motivated John more. The confidence of being emperor and the fear of losing his throne fueled his determination. He also harboured resentment toward his father, who, even after John became co-emperor, still could not let go of Constantine.
‘I have married the most illustrious lady of the empire, secured the support of the capital, and gained the acknowledgment of the Patriarch. If that’s still not enough, I’ll fill the last gap now. I’ll prove to my father that I am worthy of being emperor.’
If Constantine could achieve it, then as emperor, he surely would not fail. Encouraged by the confidence of his imperial status, John began strategizing. Only much later did he return to his chamber, where a graceful lady awaited him, gazing out at the sea.
She was looking toward the southwest—toward Morea.
“Have you heard about what Constantine has accomplished? He betrayed Serbia and seized southern Greece. Who would have thought that my brother, who so despised the Ottomans, would so easily betray his Christian allies?”
At those words, the woman, her gaze fixed on the sea, replied indifferently.
“Was it not Your Majesty who provoked Serbia?”
“Yes, it was. I moved Serbia, declaring to the world that the emperor’s authority still endures.”
John laughed as he approached the woman. Sensing his presence, she furrowed her brows and muttered softly. The emperor’s authority… To a woman who had long studied the political landscape, such words were nothing short of absurd.
“Are you still blinded by the glory of a thousand years ago?”
“It is the glory I will soon restore.”
“If it were so easy, it would have been done already.”
“I will make it happen.”
What gave him such confidence? The woman resolved not to pay him any further attention. Was the emperor, who always treated others with gentle demeanor, such a dreamer? Did he not yet understand that the world is unkind? John continued, unfazed by her cold attitude, his voice filled with excitement.
“I will be remembered as the greatest emperor who saved the empire from crisis. As the emperor with qualities even our father failed to recognize.”
“Men’s jealousy is unbecoming.”
“….Oh?”
Suddenly, the woman felt herself swiftly turned around. Instead of the sea, she now faced the handsome young man with golden hair.
“Remember this as well. A wounded man’s pride never forgets the humiliation it suffered for decades, even centuries.”
“Then know this: a wounded woman’s heart endures for millennia.”
Pushing aside John’s touch with elegance, the woman left the emperor’s chamber with dignified grace. Left alone, John stared at the place she had departed from, then let out a hollow laugh.
“Constantine, the woman who holds you in her heart is fierce. Any ordinary man would shrink in her presence.”
What could she possibly lack as an empress? Even devoid of emotion, her beauty, fortitude, sophistication, and intellect made her an ideal bride. Constantine could not have been entirely indifferent. His past glances had surely indicated as much. Yet, Constantine abandoned her and chose a political marriage with Serbia.
Knowing the reason only made John’s torment deeper.
“Constantine… You believe only you can accomplish it.”
From a young age, Constantine had borne the burden of dedication and sacrifice for the empire. John had risen to ease that burden, yet power only bred suspicion. He wanted to believe, like their father, that Constantine harboured no ambition or malice.
John wished to rebuild the empire’s former glory with his capable brother’s help, hoping their harmonious relationship would become a tale of exemplary siblings for future generations.
But the cold reality of power denied that hope.
The emperor’s position bound John completely. The traditions, history, honour, and pride of a thousand-year empire consumed his spirit and stripped him of trust. A capable brother? Would he assist John? Hardly.
Constantine would seek to seize his throne.
This unwanted certainty rooted deeply in John’s heart. The more he tried to dispel it, the clearer it became. The instability of his position only strengthened this suspicion. If only their father had clearly affirmed him. If only he had declared me the sole successor, none of this would have happened.
“Father… Father…”
Please, believe in me. Grant me the same trust you gave Constantine.
As the heart of a son yearning for recognition beat, the emperor within him crumbled. Clutching his chest, John wept silently.
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